Looking for the best lens for your Canon T6i? Well, you need to know that it is not going to be an easy task given that not all camera lenses are the same.
You may experience a little confusion along the way, but not to worry; we are here to help you make the right choice.
So, what are some of key features to look for when searching for a top-rated lens? In our view (in brief) the following pointers are crucial:
- Weather-proof design: Good lenses are ones that can be used in different weather conditions.
- Image Stability: This helps guarantee nothing but quality shots.
- Manual Focus: Though not compulsory, it’s an important factor for enhanced control.
- Optic Quality: Quite an important factor closely related to image quality.
Now that you have a rough idea of what to expect from top-tier Canon T6i lenses, let’s now delve deeper into the specifics. FYI, we’ll discuss these features in detail at the buying guide section of this write-up.
Top-Rated Lenses for Canon T6i: Comparison Table
If you’re looking for value and would like to save time here’s a consolidated list that you can refer to. Note that we’ve still got the detailed reviews of each one of these products lined up for you.
| Ranking | Product Name | Maximum Focal Length | Minimum Focal Length |
| 1 | Canon 55-250 mm EF-S STM F4-5.6 Lens | 250 Millimeters | 50 Millimeters |
| 2 | Canon EF/2.8 USM IS 100 mm EF Macro Lens | 100 Millimeters | 100 Millimeters |
| 3 | Canon EF/1.8 STM EF 50mm Lens | 50 Millimeters | 50 Millimeters |
| 4 | Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Canon Lens | 600 Millimeters | 150 Millimeters |
| 5 | Canon f/2.8 24mm EF-S STM Lens | 24 Millimeters | 24 Millimeters |
| 6 | Canon 10-22mm f/3.6-4.5 USM EF-S SLR Digital Lens | 22 Millimeters | 10 Millimeters |
| 7 | Canon f/2.8 EF-S 60mm USM Fixed Macro Lens | 60 Millimeters | 60 Millimeters |
| 8 | Canon F/3.5-5.6 IS 18-200mm EF-S Standard Zoom Lens | 200 Millimeters | 18 Millimeters |
| 9 | Canon f/3.5-5.6 EF-S 18-135mm STM Lens | 105 Millimeters | 24 Millimeters |
| 10 | Canon f/3.5-5.6 IS EF-S 15-85 mm Standard Zoom Lens | 85 Millimeters | 15 Millimeters |
| 11 | Sigma F3.5-6.3 18-300mm Macro Lens | 300 Millimeters | 18 Millimeters |
| 12 | Sigma F1.4 DC HSM 30mm Canon Lens | 30 Millimeters | 30 Millimeters |
1. Canon 55-250 mm EF-S STM F4-5.6 Lens
Top on our list is the Canon 55-250 mm EF-S STM F4-5.6 Lens for SLR Canon Camera. This lens has an optical image stabilizer system while still maintaining lightness and compactness in response to a photographer’s demands.
Other Features and Benefits
It uses the STM motor autofocus system that is very fast and silent. In addition, this unit has a high-speed CPU, rear focusing, and better autofocus algorithm for better image quality. This lens is remarkably sharp even at apertures.
On top of that, it has seven diaphragm blades that contribute to a great bokeh. Further, the plastic construction makes it lightweight and easy to carry.
Pros
- Very light
- Extremely sharp
- Outstanding bokeh
- Image stabilization capability
Cons
- Prone to vignetting
2. Canon EF/2.8 USM IS 100 mm EF Macro Lens
The Canon EF/2.8 USM IS 100 mm EF Macro Lens for SLR Digital Canon Cameras is fitted with an advanced hybrid image stabilization system that is quite effective in delivering sharp and clear images. This feature makes it a great travel lens.
In addition, it contains macro-lenses, which makes it suitable for all-round photography, especially macro and portrait photography offering excellent optics. The only downside is that this lens is quite pricy.
Other Features and Benefits
You will find an electronic focus and is also compatible with a crop sensor and full-frame DSLR cameras. This lens has an f/32 minimum aperture and an f/2.8 maximum aperture. Because of its high aperture, this lens is ideal for nighttime photography.
On top of that, it is sturdy and has dust-proof and weather sealing attributes. More importantly, the lens is super lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around. What’s more, it features a USM ring, which ensures it captures silently. This makes it perfect for animal and insect photography.
Pros
- Great image quality
- Hybrid image stabilization
- Durable construction
- Dust-proof and weatherproof
Cons
- Quite pricy
3. Canon EF/1.8 STM EF 50mm Lens
The Canon EF/1.8 STM EF 50mm Lens is a great option that comes at an affordable price, and it has fixed zoom lenses. The lens is ideal for video shooting and still photography since it offers extremely sharp images.
With an f/1.8 aperture, this product is designed to suit the needs of portraits, action, and nighttime photography. On top of that, the wide aperture makes it ideal for low light conditions such as no-flash shooting, nighttime, and indoor photography since it allows more light to get in.
Other Features and Benefits
It has a focal length of 50mm, which makes it excellent for all types of photography, such as wide-angle photos and telephotos. Besides that, if you want to blur your image background, these lenses might be a great option.
It weighs 5.6 ounces, making it small, lightweight, and easy to carry. Another notable feature is that it has one switch and is super easy to operate. Then there is the metal mount, which makes it durable. That said, these lenses do not have a weather-sealed feature.
Pros
- Ideal for indoor and nighttime photography
- Quite portable
- Smooth autofocus
- Affordable price
Cons
- A bit noisy
4. Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary 5-6.3 HSM DG Canon Lens
Next up is the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary 5-6.3 HSM DG Canon Lens. This is an excellent option for wildlife and birding photography because of its silent motor. It provides sharp and smooth images at all focal lengths.
A long focal length is great for shooting more unique and sharper images than other focal lengths. It is ideal for taking mountain photos, sunrises, sunsets, and airplane photos. These lenses weigh 6 pounds, making them super light and compact, which helps to prevent fatigue.
Other Features and Benefits
It is fitted with a wide focal length of up to 600mm. This makes the lens ideal for sport and wildlife photography since the subjects need to be short from a distance. In addition, it has a durable construction, and it has a water and oil proof coating. Also, it is dust-proof and splash-proof.
Unfortunately, its aperture has a 5-6.3 range, which is quite narrow, so it’s not the best option for low light conditions and indoor photography.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Reasonably sharp
- Wide focal length
- Splash and dustproof
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not ideal for low light conditions
Also read: 12 Best Canon Lenses for Videography
5. Canon f/2.8 24mm EF-S STM Lens
The Canon f/2.8 24mm EF-S STM Lens is super simple and is ideal for landscape photography. It is one of the slimmest and lightest lenses of Canon EF-S lenses. One of the best things is that these lenses come at an affordable price.
With a 24mm fixed focal length, this lens is ideal for still photography and movie shooting. In addition, it is multipurpose and incredibly fast, as well. It has a unique coating the helps to minimize ghosting and flare for high-quality optics.
Other Features and Benefits
For starters, these lenses weigh 4.41 ounces, which makes them compact, short, and very portable. Besides that, it has a 24mm wide focal length, which makes it ideal for taking images indoors and low light situations.
More importantly, it comes in three models to choose from. The only downer is that these lenses are not compatible with a full-frame camera.
Pros
- Affordable
- Come in three different models
- Ideal for optical perfection
- Quite portable
Cons
- Not compatible with a full-frame camera
6. Canon 10-22mm f/3.6-4.5 USM EF-S SLR Digital Lens
The Canon 10-22mm f/3.6-4.5 USM EF-S SLR Digital Lens is a wide-angle lens that provides high-quality images and is a great choice for foregrounds. With an f/3.5 maximum aperture and an f/29 minimum aperture, this camera is ideal for taking great images indoors and in low light conditions.
This lens has a plastic construction apart from the mount and identity ring, which are built with metal. The plastic construction makes it extremely lightweight and, therefore, very portable.
Other Features and Benefits
Since this lens is an EF-S, it is only compatible with crop sensor cameras and not full-frame cameras. Also, though a bit pricy, these lenses come with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Come with a one-year warranty
- Durable construction
- Lightweight
- USM for quick and quiet focusing
Cons
- A bit pricy
7. Canon f/2.8 EF-S 60mm USM Fixed Macro Lens
The next item to earn a spot on this list is the Canon f/2.8 EF-S 60mm USM Fixed Macro Lens. This device is quite effective in portraits and macro photography, providing great optics. In addition, it has a compact and sleek design.
It is equipped with an ED-S lens, which means it is not suitable for full-frame cameras. This medium-priced device comes with a manufacturer’s one year warranty.
Other Features and Benefits
This unit has a 60mm fixed focal length, which makes it quite fast but does not support zooming. Its minimum focusing distance is 0.65 feet. On top of that, it has a USM lens that allows it to operate quietly and faster.
With an f/28 maximum aperture, this lens is excellent for low light conditions and nighttime. What’s more, it’s metal mount and sturdy plastic construction for longevity. Besides that, it is fitted with the MF/AF switch makes it easy to operate. Lastly, it is lightweight, which makes it portable.
Pros
- Moderately priced
- Offers sharp images
- Backed with one year warranty
- Durable construction
- Close focusing ability
Cons
- Its non-zoomable
8. Canon F/3.5-5.6 IS 18-200mm EF-S Standard Zoom Lens
For photographers who enjoy traveling and hiking, the Canon F/3.5-5.6 IS 18-200mm EF-S Standard Zoom Lens might be a great option. It ranges from a normal telephoto angle to a super wide-angle. In addition, this unit is fitted with a canon optical image stabilizer for high-quality images, even under challenging conditions.
The 18-200mm magnification range makes this lens perfect for wide magnification. Though this device is not a macro lens, it can operate as one. With two buttons for manual operation and autofocus, this device is quite easy to operate.
Other Features and Benefits
The most outstanding feature with the Canon F/3.5-5.6 IS 18-200mm EF-S Standard Zoom Lens is the zoom ring that allows you to change the focal length quickly. Then there is the zoom lock switch that ensures it as at 18mm.
At only 1.31 pounds, this unit is super light, making it easy to carry. Further, the lens features two different apertures. The minimum ranges at f/3.5 while the maximum ranges at f/36. The high aperture makes it an excellent option for nighttime and low light conditions.
Pros
- Ideal for telephoto and wide-angle images
- Durable construction
- Easily portable
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Very expensive
9. Canon f/3.5-5.6 EF-S 18-135mm STM Lens
If you are looking for an all-purpose lens for still photography and video recording, then the Canon f/3.5-5.6 EF-S 18-135mm STM Lens might just be what you need. This is a great unit with incredible image quality.
Its focal length is super wide as it ranges between 18mm to 135mm, which helps to meets various needs of photographers, both telephotos and wide angles. With inbuilt autofocus, this lens operates silently and remarkably fast.
Other Features and Benefits
The inner focusing offers high speed autofocusing. In addition, the AF/MF autofocus switch makes it easy to operate. On top of that, it has a zoom lock for convenience. Also worth noting is that this lens uses STM for silent operation and smooth focus.
The lens aperture is wide enough to capture clear and smooth images in low light situations. Further, the optical design is made with an aspheric and UD element which minimizes spherical and chromatic aberrations for sharp, color precise, and clear images. Lastly, the optical image stabilization allows you to take shudder-free and sharp images.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Offers sharp image quality
- Moderately priced
- Silent and smooth operation
Cons
- Not suitable for full-frame cameras
Read another post of us: Best PoE Security Camera Reviews
10. Canon f/3.5-5.6 IS EF-S 15-85 mm UD USM Standard Zoom Lens
Equipped with a flexible zoom, the Canon f/3.5-5.6 IS EF-S 15-85 mm UD USM Standard Zoom Lens is designed to meet various photography needs. This lens features ultra-low dispersion and aspherical elements that help to control color fringing and distortion.
Besides that, the device has an ultrasonic motor that is renowned for operating quietly and quickly. Then there is the seven-blade diagram that further helps to improve the focus quality
Another great thing is that this unit has an inbuilt optical image stabilizer, which helps in reducing impressions when a camera shakes. This feature is quite essential when shooting in difficult lighting places.
Other Features and Benefits
Another great thing is that this unit has an inbuilt optical image stabilizer, which helps in reducing impressions when a camera shakes. This feature is quite essential when shooting in difficult lighting places.
Pros
- Great image quality
- Sturdy design
- Smooth focus ring
- Solis extension
- Great Bokeh
Cons
- A bit bulky
11. Sigma F3.5-6.3 18-300mm Macro Lens
The Sigma F3.5-6.3 18-300mm Macro Lens is a great lens for wildlife and birding photography. The MF/AF switch for optical stabilization and focusing mode makes this lens easy to operate. Further, there is macro focusing marking for close up focusing.
Other Features and Benefits
This lens is fitted with USM for quiet and quick shooting. You can easily switch from manual focus to autofocus using the lens’s switch. More importantly, the autofocus is super silent and fast.
Pros
- well built
- Fast to focus
- Extremely sharp
- Handy locking mechanism
Cons
- Cheap bokeh
12. Sigma F1.4 DC HSM 30mm Canon Lens
Lastly, we have the Sigma F3.5-6.3 18-300mm Macro Lens. This unit is a standard angle and a crisp lens for mirrorless cameras. It is constructed with polycarbonate and metal, which makes it extremely sturdy and durable.
Other Features and Benefits
Another notable feature is that the STM motor featured in this lens makes video shooting smooth and silent. The full-time manual focus makes it easy to operate manual focus and autofocus,
Pros
- Very sharp
- Affordable
- Bright aperture
- Even illumination
Cons
- Not weather-sealed
How to Choose the Best Lens for Your T6i
You want to hold off on purchasing the first lens you come across because you are likely to make mistakes.
It is important to consider several factors before you make your purchase including:
Weatherproof Ability
What kind of photography do you do? This will help you determine what kind of lens to get for your T6i. You want to get a weatherproof lens that will allow you to take your photos regardless of the weather conditions.
This will also ensure that your lens last for a long time.
Image Stabilization
Some camera lenses come with image stabilization. This is what helps to get clear images even when shooting at slow shutter speeds.
Usually, this would result to blurry images, but thanks to image stabilization, you can be able to get clear pictures. Image stabilization is what corrects the effects of a shaking camera.
This feature is particularly useful if your lens has a long focal length because camera shake is more visible with longer focal lengths.
Although you may have to spend more on a lens with image stabilization, it is worth the investment especially if you do not always mount your camera on a tripod or if you do most of your photography in low light conditions.
Manual Focus
Although this feature is not compulsory, you will appreciate its usefulness. With most lenses you have to press a button to switch from manual to auto focus.
In the market, there are lenses that come with full-time manual focus. What this means is that you can manually focus to make alterations even while the autofocus for the lens is in use.
You will find this to be very helpful because autofocus does not always get it right.
Discreet Autofocus
Perhaps you have not experienced this, but as some lenses focus, they will produce grinding noises. Of course, this can be annoying and distracting to both you and your subject. In that regard, you may want to get a lens with a discreet autofocus mechanism.
As you search for your lens, look out for terms such as Hyper-Sonic Focus (HSF) or Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM). These mean that a lens remains quiet as it focuses.
Wildlife photographers will appreciate this feature because most animals do not like the attention and once they hear a noisy camera, they may run off.
Optic Quality
As we have previously mentioned, not all lenses are the same. You want to get a lens with special optics that reduce stray light and flare from getting into the camera, and fine-tune for distortion if you want clear images.
These lenses use various names, but the most important thing is the outstanding optics in the lens. For instance, Canon’s optics is usually denoted with an ‘L’.
The price of a lens will usually tell you whether the optics are any good or not and although they will be considerably higher in price, it is worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answered several questions below that may help you get a clearer idea on this topic.
What is the difference between the Canon T6 and T6i?
There are several differences between the two but the main one is that the T6 weighs 485g, which is lighter than the T6i, which weighs 555g.
Another difference worthy of note is that the T6i has a higher megapixel sensor that makes it better for shooting in dim lighting.
Which is the best lens for a Canon T6i?
There are several lenses out there that do a good job and as such, it would be biased to pick one as the best.
Nonetheless, you want to look at the features of a particular lens and this will influence your purchasing decision.
Is the Canon T6 a good camera?
Yes, it is considering that its video and photo quality are certainly better than those of point-and-shoot cameras.
The worst thing about this camera is that it is too slow to be used as a family camera.
Best Choice
If you are looking for the best video and image quality, the Canon 55-250 mm EF-S STM F4-5.6 Lens for SLR Canon Camera is one of our opinion the best option. It is super easy to use, quite reliable, and well made.
Final Thoughts
You can clearly deduce from this guide that a quality Canon T6i lens will offer you the opportunity to take various kinds of shots.
Essentially, your camera is worthless without a good lens. In respect to that, you want to invest in a decent pair.
If you are strapped on cash, you can always opt to buy second hand ones but you have to be careful enough not to sacrifice quality for price.
We believe this guide will act as a tool to help you make the right choice.